NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – A New Mexico man is returning home after a serious injury kept him in a hospital in Rome for weeks. Leo Maes, 73, was vacationing in Italy with his family last month when he collapsed while touring the Vatican.
The fall caused a neck injury and left Maes paralyzed. After a month in Rome, Maes is expected to be home Friday night. His family said he will need more medical care. “There are still some issues that need to be resolved medically. Most of the rehabs won’t accept him if he’s on a ventilator. So we need to make sure that he’s able to breathe on his own,” said Alex Maes, Leo’s daughter.
Leo Maes is a musician, and his old band is playing a benefit concert for him on July 19. Proceeds will be used to cover Maes’ medical costs.
